Iran backs Maliki as Iraq Prime Minister
Tehran: Iran said it supports Nuri al-Maliki’s bid to stay on as Iraq’s Premier, but that it is ready to back any other candidate chosen by the Iraqi Parliament.
Afghan candidates feud on eve of results
Kabul: Afghanistan’s rival presidential candidates clashed over alleged fraud on Sunday ahead of release of preliminary election results, setting the stage for a prolonged squabble that threatens worsening instability.
Nepal, India begin security talks
Kathmandu: Nepal’s request for supply of arms and military stores and equipment from India was expected to figure prominently in talks on security issues between the two close neighbours that began here on Sunday.
Pak new chief justice takes charge
Islamabad: Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk, who recently cautioned against “undue interference” in the functioning of Pakistan’s state institutions, was on Sunday sworn in as the country’s new chief justice.
Yemen clashes between rebels, tribesmen kill 35
Sanaa: A Yemeni security official says clashes between Shia rebels and Government-allied Islamist tribesmen have killed at least 35 people and wounded 40 others.
london’s buses are now cash-free
london: Cash can no longer be used on any of london’s buses, a cost-cutting measure that could save Transport of london (Tfl) 24 million pounds a year.
Israel strikes 10 sites in Gaza Strip
Jerusalem: Israel’s military carried out airstrikes on 10 sites in the Gaza Strip early on Sunday, the army said, as tensions remained high following weekend clashes between Israeli police and demonstrators in Jerusalem and Arab towns in northern Israel.
17 trapped after coal mine blast in China
Beijing: At least 17 miners were trapped after a blast in a coal mine in Xinjiang region of northwest China. The blast happened late Saturday evening.